Auto lockers, who is using them?
08-08-2018, 02:46 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Auto lockers, who is using them?
I have been tossing around the idea of installing some auto lockers front and rear. I do not want to have to deal with compressors or air tanks, or cables. I was wondering how they actually perform. In deep snow, ice, mud, and offroad. I have read good and bad. I have the 8.25/ 30 differentials and I believe 3:55 years that I want to change. Thanks for any help and info.
08-08-2018, 07:41 PM
#2
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Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Idaho
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have had a Spartan in my 8.25 for about a year and have really liked it so much so that I am putting one in the front this week. I do not drive this on the ice or in the winter much. If I did have to drive it in the winter on icy roads I would not be putting one in the front. Draw back to full locked front and rear are not very good on slick side hills or icy roads. I would start with the rear first and see what you think.
08-08-2018, 08:19 PM
#3
CF Veteran
Front and rear Spartans here and I wouldn't have it any other way, no air lines, cables, or wires to worry about, they just plain work. I use mine as a daily driver sometimes and they are well behaved, I run 85w140 gear oil and you can't hear them unless you are listening for it, also I have no issues turning in 4x4 with a front auto locker, I have driven in the snow with them as well and you have to change your driving style a little but they do fine if you use them to your advantage. Many people say they don't like an auto locker in the rear of a street driven vehicle but I can't figure out why, I prefer an auto locker in the rear of a street driven vehicle, I also have a Detroit in the rear of my F250, and I just ordered another Spartan to put in the rear of my Dakota.
08-08-2018, 08:20 PM
#4
CF Veteran
Another spartan locker owner here. About 10k miles on mine. Works great but I have noticed the rear tires wear out faster then the front. Pretty sure I'm going to switch over to a selectable locker soon though. I would prefer an open diff for driving on the street.
08-09-2018, 12:03 AM
#5
CF Veteran
Spartan in the rear of my MJ. Its clunky but no ratcheting like an aussie. It works. Probably switch to a Detroit in the future.
08-09-2018, 02:16 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Newport News, VA
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Year: 96 & 88 4 dr Cherokees
Have a lock right in my 88, and a spartan in my 96.spartan is much easier to install.
Only quirk I've noticed is in snow/ice, my truck now slides sideways & forward if all 4 are spinning due to the tread pattern on my tires.
Only quirk I've noticed is in snow/ice, my truck now slides sideways & forward if all 4 are spinning due to the tread pattern on my tires.
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08-09-2018, 04:42 PM
#8
CF Veteran
Aussie locked in my 8.25 for 3 years now with 33s. On the street I can only tell when I'm in a parking lot and it's clicking, that's my only way of knowing it's there. When in 4lo it's a spool for the most part, the torque with the aw4/4.0 locked it and you can hear the tires skipping on tight loose terrain. Snow on the road it doesn't act up, I have the NP242 though so it can change output power, but I had no issues the last 2 winters since having it. Have a front aussie i'm going to toss in, not sure how that'll handle the rocks and some tight trails. At worse I'll take it out.
08-22-2018, 08:09 AM
#9
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: IE (SoCal)
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Year: 1994 SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've got a Spartan in my front, been running it for a couple years now. City driving, mud, snow, and some various off roading. Works great with no complaints.
08-22-2018, 08:32 AM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input. Lockers on hold for now. Decided to do a sye with Adams driveshaft and just ordered a HD upgrade for TC. Figured I would rebuild it and get it tucked back up where it belongs. Seems most run a locker in the front, than the rear of both.
08-22-2018, 09:15 AM
#11
CF Veteran
If I was only getting one locker I would get a rear locker, that way you would have the extra traction all the time.
08-22-2018, 02:03 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
08-22-2018, 02:07 PM
#13
CF Veteran
If you have a limited slip in the rear now then yes it would get rid of the clutch plates, but to put a lunchbox locker in you will need to switch to an open carrier or put a full case Detroit locker in.
08-23-2018, 04:05 AM
#15
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Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Have to assemble a disc-braked rear D44 with ARB centre, its in 10 boxes, and decide to stay with 3.55 or go to 4.10
my possible preferred front would be an Eaton Truetrac, given that;
1) 99% on tar so I want something that has no effect on steering,
2) less expensive than a selectable locker
3) my understanding of the way they work is superior off-road to regular LSD, (and have no effect on-road)
can barely justify the expense even, as only 1% off-road,
dont want an auto locker in the front
anyone with a Truetrac in front care to comment?
my possible preferred front would be an Eaton Truetrac, given that;
1) 99% on tar so I want something that has no effect on steering,
2) less expensive than a selectable locker
3) my understanding of the way they work is superior off-road to regular LSD, (and have no effect on-road)
can barely justify the expense even, as only 1% off-road,
dont want an auto locker in the front
anyone with a Truetrac in front care to comment?
